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Dip(Law)Diploma in Law

Am I a domestic or international student?

Citizens and residents of New Zealand and Australia are recognised as domestic students at the University of Waikato.

If you are not a domestic student, please select the international option below to view content for overseas students.

Our highly practical Diploma in Law sets you up to explore new career opportunities or enhance your current role. The online component of the Diploma will allow you to fit your studies around work and family commitments. Credit completed Diploma papers towards your first and second years of a Bachelor of Laws.

A qualification in law is an asset for many careers including those not directly related to law. The knowledge and skills developed through our Diploma in Law are relevant in:

finance

business management

human resources

education

local and central government

the voluntary sector

Māori governance

How it works

Typically a Diploma in Law takes two years to complete studying part-time.

The programme is offered through a combination of online lectures and in-class tutorials. Tutorials are an integral part of the programme. They are run in small groups of up to 30 students and are held in Hamilton and Tauranga. Evening options are available.

You will have access to all resources available to Te Piringa – Faculty of Law students including the online library, mentoring programme, internship opportunities, competitions and scholarships. You will be supported by experienced tutors and our academic staff.

Credit towards a Bachelor of Laws

Once you successfully complete your Diploma in Law, you will have guaranteed entry into the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) programme and your Diploma papers will be credited towards the first and second years of your LLB programme at Waikato.

The LLB degree is only offered at the Hamilton campus. However, you may be able to complete some elective papers in Tauranga - see degree structure (below) to read about individual papers.

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Entry requirements

All applications will be considered on a case-by- case basis by the Faculty of Law Admissions Committee.

All applications will be considered on a case-by- case basis by the Faculty of Law Admissions Committee. Factors such as academic results, work experience, school and community involvement, and other achievements will be taken into account. Include these in your personal written statement.

With your application please provide:

a written statement (letter of application) of up to 300 words outlining your work experience (paid or unpaid), community involvement, your previous study and reasons for wishing to undertake the diploma programme

verified copies of academic records (transcripts) of any previous studies

a verified copy of your birth certificate or current passport.

If you are under 20 years of age, you'll need to have gained University Entrance in three literacy-rich subjects with at least 18 points in one of the subjects, or your NCEA Level 3 Certificate endorsed with Merit or Excellence.

For more information on these and other options, please contact us at Law Reception.

Practical skills

Throughout this diploma, you’ll gain strong research and analytical skills as well as become an excellent problem-solver.

Throughout this diploma, you’ll gain strong research and analytical skills as well as become an excellent problem-solver.

You’ll learn how to construct legal arguments and form legal opinions. You will create legal documents and learn the principles of forming a contract. You’ll develop your capacity to manage your own learning with our expert guidance provided through practical workshops and tutorials.

As a student of our Diploma in Law programme you can apply for all opportunities available to our students including internship and clerkship opportunities; as well as negotiation, mooting, client interviewing, witness examination and other competitions.

Cultural experience

We have the most diverse and vibrant student body of all law schools in New Zealand.

We have the most diverse and vibrant student body of all law schools in New Zealand. Up to 30 per cent of all our students identify themselves as Māori and nearly 16 per cent come from Pacific background. Nearly 40 per cent of our students are over the age of 25.

Our Mentors will provide extra support and guidance in your studies, help you to navigate through the transition period from school or previous employment to university study as well as advise you on other services and opportunities available to you on campus.

Regulations

Law Student for a Night

Expand to read Law Student for a Night

If you are interested in the Diploma in Law qualification, but not sure if it'll work for you, come to our Law Student for a Night event. It is designed with mature students in mind and will give you a taste of what studying law at Waikato is like.

The programme for the nigh includes:

You’ll attend a mini-lecture

You’ll find out more about the Diploma in Law qualification

You’ll try your skills during a negotiations workshop

You’ll have an opportunity to talk to our students, graduates and staff.

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